What Are the Dangers of Living With Bat Guano?

An Exterminator Explains the Dangers of Bat Guano

Even if you are not scared of bats and have no problems with them residing in your attic or basement space, did you know that bat guano is dangerous to your health? Read the post offered by the exterminator at Bat Specialist of Wisconsin - Milwaukee on what they are.

The primary health concern that is linked with bat guano is histoplasmosis. This is an airborne disease that has its origin in a fungus that lives in bat droppings. It can affect the respiratory systems of anyone that breathes in air that has been exposed to it. The body is capable of fighting this disease, but individuals that have a compromised immune system will need medication for treatment.

Bats can often be found roosting in attics and open rafters in homes and barns. They sleep in the day, hunt at night, and can create elaborate nests by mating and bearing young after just a few seasons. The bat guano they excrete inside the upper areas of the home and on the ground outside is extremely toxic to humans when disturbed.

Histoplasmosis can also be found on top of bat guano, or in soil which was exposed to bat droppings. When guano is stirred up in any way, the fungus will quickly become airborne. It will then circulate into the breathable air of homes or buildings and infect the lungs of anyone that inhales it.

The disease usually needs an incubation period of approximately ten days to germinate and to start experiencing symptoms. Sufferers will often complain of chest pains, fever, headaches, coughing, and a loss of appetite. The body’s immune system is, as mentioned earlier, capable of fighting off the disease, and individuals will experience a full recovery in a matter of weeks. However, those that have compromised immune systems may require treatment, which includes medication and hospitalization.

If we have given you pause for thought with this post, we strongly suggest you call our exterminator in Milwaukee, WI now at (414) 369-6374, before you or your loved ones start feeling the effects of the bats living in your home.

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